It’s a facet of wellbeing that’s often hush-hush, but that doesn’t make it any less important.

Mental health services, which have previously not been readily available in the area, are coming to Granville. Joseph Macura, licensed mental health counselor, will be the primary clinician at Forensic Consultation and Counseling Service, LLC’s satellite office on Mettowee Street.

The office is part of a Rutland, Vt., agency that specializes in substance abuse and legal systems.

Macura, who previously worked as a counselor in Hudson Falls, said his completely confidential services could be beneficial for people of any walk of life.

“I can help people who are dealing with anxiety, depression, life transitions; I can work with individuals, couples or families,” he said, adding that he might expand to group sessions in the future. One of his biggest goals is to make mental health less of a taboo service.

“I try to normalize it, because I know it has a bad connotation,” he said. “But it’s for anybody; it’s no longer just for people that need to be institutionalized.”

Along those lines, Macura especially wants to reach out to local schools and emergency responders, such as firemen and police. He also said he would like to help veterans who might suffer from post traumatic stress disorder. He mentioned recent tragedies in the area that might’ve been avoided had there been counseling available.

With the opening of the new office, Macura believes he is one of the only counselors in the immediate Granville area. His business operates a sliding scale fee for sessions that drops as low as $50 but is negotiable, so no one is turned down.

He gave examples of presenting issues he specializes in, such as emotional struggles, life stressors and family and relationship conflict. He offers couples therapy as well.

“Even newlyweds—it can improve your relationship. You don’t have to be ready for divorce to benefit from it,” Macura said.

He will also work together with substance abuse counselors to provide rounded therapy to someone in need. He hopes to expand his services and make himself available to as much of the population as possible.

“I am excited to establish a practice in my hometown and driven to provide a service that is not readily available in the area,” he said.

Hours are currently by appointment and regularly scheduled Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call 866-639-9573 to learn more or to schedule an appointment or visit forensiccounselingservices.com.